Shyamkr leads 1 lakh tree plantation drive
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 20 2019:
As a part of the 'Green Manipur, Clean Manipur' campaign, Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar led a mass tree plantation programme at Chingoi Baruni, Imphal East today.
The programme was jointly organised by the Forest Department and Directorate of Environment in collaboration with the Green Volunteers and locals of Andro.
Addressing media-persons, Shyamkumar said that the mass tree plantation programme is an initiative to combat climate change which is a burning issue at present.
Informing that the plantation programme will continue at the pilgrimage site, he said that the target is to plant 1 lakh saplings in the surrounding areas of Chingoi Baruni and added that various departments like Tourism, Art and Culture will be consulted for possible works which can be implemented in the area so as to make the place a tourist hotspot by maintaining the ecosystem.
Stating that environmental degradation has led to shortage of water at various places in the State, he said that the saplings planted in Chingoi Baruni area will be maintained by the Forest Department.
The Minister said that the Department will also collaborate with the neighbouring villages which are located nearby Nongmaiching (Baruni) Hill range like Takhel, Nongpok Sanjembam, Sandansemba Maring Khul, Andro, Naharup for maintaining the trees and to stop forest clearings.
He also announced that Jhum cultivation as well as controlled setting of forest fires at Nongmaiching hill will be banned with immediate effect.
The Minister continued that jhum cultivation, forest clearing for planting poppy in the said are has resulted in adverse impacts on the eco system and added that Nongmaiching hill is a reserved forest area and as such, jhum cultivation has been banned immediately.
Lauding the officials of the Forest Department for nurturing and maintaining the trees in the past, he urged the officers concerned to continue their effort in the future too.
Stating that the mass tree plantation programme will be carried out in all the districts in collaboration with the local youths, clubs and various stakeholders, he appealed to the people of the State to come forward and support in combating climate change.
The mass tree plantation programme was also participated by Oinam Lukhoi Singh, MLA Wangoi AC and Vice Chairman, MIDA, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLA Konthoujam AC and Chairman TCM, Heikham Dingo, MLA Sekmai AC, officials and staff of the Forest Department and Environment Directorate, volunteers of the Andro and Green Volunteers.